Swedes finish season Saturday at Tabor

By Steve Sell

November 10, 2017

LINDSBORG — Bethany College’s Swedes are limping to the finish line.

After five weeks of KCAC football play, the Swedes had sprinted to a 4-1 record and were in a four-way tie at the top. Included in their start was a 30-28 victory over Sterling, the only conference loss for the Warriors.

But starting with a setback to Saint Mary, the Swedes have hit the skids. Now they need to upset KCAC co-leader Tabor on Saturday in Hillsboro to finish with a winning record. A loss and Bethany finishes 4-5 in the KCAC and 5-5 overall.

Kickoff is 1:30 p.m.

The Swedes’ defense has come apart in recent games and now ranks No. 9 in points allowed at 34.9. Bethany also ranks dead last in yards allowed, giving up 433.8.

That defense has a formidable task as Tabor is coming off a 658-yard game against McPherson College, but encouraging for the Swedes is the Bulldogs were tied with Tabor after three quarters before pulling away for a 46-29 win.

Bethany employed three quarterbacks last week that combined to throw seven interceptions in a 49-18 loss to Friends. Isaiah Salazar is the normal starter and Blake Thornbro also played last week before Bryce Banks came in and gave the team a spark with a couple of touchdown passes late.

Bethany is capable offensively, ranking No. 4 in the conference by scoring 31 points a game. It has fallen to No. 8 in rushing offense and is No. 4 in passing offense.

Tabor can win the KCAC title with a win, coupled with a McPherson College win over Sterling in McPherson. The Bulldogs have been playing everybody tough and Bluejay fans no doubt are cheering for a Mac upset.